Zoning/Building/Codes Enforcement

Zoning Officer, Building Code Official, Sewage Enforcement Officer
Chris Paff
127 Quarry Road
Kutztown, PA 19530
610-683-6518
Email: cpaff@maxatawny.net

If you would like to meet with the Zoning or Codes Officer, we suggest you call first to make sure he is not on an inspection when you arrive.



SOLAR PANELS FOR RESIDENTIAL:

*Zoning Application, *Building Application, *Electrical Application, *Structural analysis for roof to support panels sealed by PA Engineer, *If to be front facing, Engineer report describing reason for front facing (need BOS approval), *$64.50 - Residential Application Fee, *Complete system construction and electrical documents in 2-sets, *Complete site plot plan in 2-sets.



Maxatawny Township is a rural community with a mix of uses including a large farming community, rural living, suburban residential neighborhoods, a healthy mix of industrial, light industrial and commercial uses, and a State University. Any use has typically associated impacts on the community as a whole, and we should all strive to live well together with respect and understanding. Sometimes, we may experience minor impacts that are simply part of the neighborhood in which we live. Other times, impacts from any use may exceed acceptable and allowable limits. To help eliminate such excesses before they begin, and to provide methods for resolution if they should begin, Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances are in effect. Often, outside agencies such as PennDot, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), PA Department of Agriculture, Berks County Conservation District, and others may be the regulation authorities. In many instances, Township ordinances will apply - often times in conjunction with other regulation authorities. Some local ordinance regulations of note include:

• Property Maintenance Code providing rules for property upkeep including (but not limited to): Prohibiting weeds, grass, yards with growth in excess of 10", exterior storage of junk, accumulation of rubbish and garbage, general premises upkeep, etc.
• Noise when excessive
• Outdoor storage control
• Solid and liquid waste management
• Air management (gas, vapors, odors, etc)
• Ground water/water supply protection
• Stormwater control
• Keeping of animals in excess of limitations of property size
• Maintaining visibility at intersections
• Unregistered Vehicles

You may note that many of the above are common complaints as published on this website. If we all work together, if before anyone does something that they think may be offensive to their neighbors, if something you are considering doing with your property causes you to wonder if regulations are in effect that may apply to your consideration, please contact the Township Office and we will help you to find answers to your questions.

If you have concerns with something a neighbor may or may not be doing, we strongly encourage you to first seek discussion with your neighbor. If the situation is appropriate, explain to them that you intend also to check with the Township to answer any of your concerns. Many times, concerns can be resolved amicably between neighbors. Gather as much information as you can, including a name, address and phone number for the person against whom you will be making the claim. (This way, we can make personal contact with them.) Most residents prefer to have a neighbor approach them personally instead of having the issues escalate to enforcement notices from the Township.

Township Building Permits

Rules and Regulations For Zoning & Building Permits
Permits are required for, but not limited to, all new construction, additions, agricultural buildings, decks, pools, hot tubs, sheds, fences/ walls, garages, driveways, outdoor furnaces, windmills, solar panels, rental units, any impervious additions including many patios, walkways, etc., electrical, plumbing and mechanical, any change of means of egress. Permits are not required for: re-roofing without structural alterations, replacement windows, doors, siding, non-structural alterations, except as they may affect means of egress or occupant travel pattern.

Before starting any work and if you are unsure if work requires a permit, please call the Township Office.

Fences and walls require a permit and shall be setback two feet (2') from the property line and shall not be placed in any easement or right of way.
Every impervious addition to any property requires storm water controls.

Maxatawny Township enforces the State Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Information is available at https://www.dli.pa.gov/ucc/Pages/default.aspx for UCC information and our website for local information and forms.

All contractors required to comply with the Pennsylvania State Home Improvement Contractors Law shall submit their PA License Number prior to making application or performing any work in Maxatawny Township. All contractors shall register by providing record of insurance and, as appropriate, PA Contractor Number.

All residential building and zoning permit applications shall be submitted in TWO (2) sets of complete documents, a detailed plot plan, and sufficient detail to indicate compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances. As a general rule, the documents explain exactly what you propose in detail, so that anyone reviewing the documents would be able explain what you intend to build, including specific construction details.

All commercial building applications shall be accompanied by all documents in TWO (2) sets. All sets must be signed and sealed by a licensed design professional and in compliance with all UCC requirements.

We are here to help you navigate through the rules, regulations, and procedures and we look forward to hearing from you.

Common Complaints

The following items are common complaints registered with the Township Code Office:

• Property Maintenance
  Overgrowth, tall grass/weeds, rubbish or garbage accumulation, dilapidated properties, etc.
• Zoning/Other Ordinances
  Vehicles without current PA State Inspections / license plates, animal complaints, noise, odors, sight distance violations, right of way violations, etc.

In order to process and investigate a complaint, a complaint form needs to be completed and submitted to the Township. The form needs to include the name, address, and phone number of the person filing the complaint. The form can be found on our website or picked up at the Township Office.

When a complaint is founded, the Township must follow legal procedures in order to resolve the matter. At times, this process can be quite lengthy. The Township will do its best to keep the lines of communication open and resolve the matter as soon as possible.

It is always a good policy to talk with your neighbor first when there is a problem. Most residents prefer to have a neighbor approach them personally instead of receiving contact from, or an enforcement notice from the Township.